Trump Administration Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, Illinois

The Trump administration has launched Operation Midway Blitz, a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records in Chicago and surrounding areas of Illinois. The Department of Homeland Security stated the operation aims to strengthen control over migrants and address issues related to sanctuary laws that limit cooperation between local and federal authorities. While President Trump suggested the deployment of the National Guard and federal forces to combat crime and illegal immigration, analysts note the operation resembles typical immigration enforcement rather than a full-scale troop mobilization. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, both Democrats, condemned the operation, criticizing the administration for a lack of communication and accusing it of political manipulation ahead of the 2026 midterms. President Trump defended the action on social media, emphasizing his goal to assist the city and asserting that only criminals would be targeted. The administration also released a list of undocumented migrants with criminal convictions, highlighting offenses such as assault, theft, drug possession, and gang affiliation as justification for the crackdown.